YMCA plans to expand facilities, change street to one way

Published: Friday, May 10, 2013 at 3:36 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, May 10, 2013 at 3:36 p.m.

Expansion plans are under way at the J. Smith Young YMCA that will enlarge the pool and dining room areas as well as add additional restrooms.

The nonprofit organization would like to extend its facility 17 feet onto Hargrave Street, which would involve changes to the street. The Y sits on the corner of Hargrave Street and West Third Avenue.

"A lot of what's happening is part of us giving back. This will give us more room and help everything overall," said Gene Klump, chief executive officer of the YMCA.

The funding for the project comes from the Y's 2012 capital campaign. More than a year ago the agency announced its $1.5 million capital campaign with hopes of upgrading it's facilities.

"The campaign went well. We reached our goal," Klump said.

One of the top items on the campaign list was expanding the Josh Harris Natatorium, which was built in 1978. Plans include adding a new roof, tile and lights as well. Due to the agency hosting several swimming events, Klump said, it needed to add stadium seating for spectators. He said the expansion will allow the Y to set up swimmers on one side and spectators on the opposite side. The pool is also used for basic swimming, lifeguard training and for rental activities.

Another part of the expansion would be adding handicapped-accessible restrooms on the same level as the dining facilities. Klump said the dining room was built in 1969 and serves as a gathering place for many civic groups. Over the years the services have expanded to wedding rehearsal dinners, the Special Olympics Winter Games, nonprofits' functions and several other activities. Those who utilize the dining room have to use the restrooms a level below. That change will add a new side entrance for people to enter the dining room or pool area.

For the upgrade to happen, changes would have to occur on Hargrave Street. Due to the organization expanding to the road, the street would become smaller. Y officials have been speaking with representatives with the City of Lexington to make Hargrave Street one way between West Third and Fourth avenues. If approved, drivers will come from north to south from the top of the hill. Klump noted they held informational meetings with close neighbors and residents within a two-block radius that discussed the street change. He said a few people were against the one-way street because it was an inconvenience.

Lexington City Manager Alan Carson said Y officials will talk with the planning and zoning board May 20 about the plan. The board will then make a recommendation to the city council, which will consider it May 28. Carson said at that meeting the council will announce a public hearing for its May 10 meeting on the street becoming one way. Carson noted that the council will probably vote at that meeting as well.

"The Y is the centerpiece of our youth and community. To help them grow, I think our council will be supportive," Carson said.

Another portion of the project would be adding reverse parking spots by the Y's bowling alley. Klump noted city officials developed the concept for the parking. The idea is for drivers to come down the street and then back into the parking spots. That will place children closer to the sidewalk area and give drivers more visibility to see others when they leave.

Carson suggested the reverse parking was a neat idea and a major improvement in safety. The parking lines would be at an angle.

"I think it's a great idea and worth a shot," he said.

The city would be responsible for relocating utilities underground, if there's a need to, Carson said. If approved, the project could begin immediately and will take up to six months.

Other projects earmarked by the campaign include a new roof for the entire facility, new cardio equipment through a partnership with Wake Forest Baptist Health — Lexington Medical Center, replacement of the building's HVAC units and upgrades to the parking lot. The campaign helped upgrade the Teen Center with a new roof, new HVAC system and total interior renovation. The Y also paid off debts from previous expenses through the campaign.

Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.

<p>Expansion plans are under way at the J. Smith Young YMCA that will enlarge the pool and dining room areas as well as add additional restrooms. </p><p>The nonprofit organization would like to extend its facility 17 feet onto Hargrave Street, which would involve changes to the street. The Y sits on the corner of Hargrave Street and West Third Avenue.</p><p>"A lot of what's happening is part of us giving back. This will give us more room and help everything overall," said Gene Klump, chief executive officer of the YMCA. </p><p>The funding for the project comes from the Y's 2012 capital campaign. More than a year ago the agency announced its $1.5 million capital campaign with hopes of upgrading it's facilities. </p><p>"The campaign went well. We reached our goal," Klump said.</p><p>One of the top items on the campaign list was expanding the Josh Harris Natatorium, which was built in 1978. Plans include adding a new roof, tile and lights as well. Due to the agency hosting several swimming events, Klump said, it needed to add stadium seating for spectators. He said the expansion will allow the Y to set up swimmers on one side and spectators on the opposite side. The pool is also used for basic swimming, lifeguard training and for rental activities.</p><p>Another part of the expansion would be adding handicapped-accessible restrooms on the same level as the dining facilities. Klump said the dining room was built in 1969 and serves as a gathering place for many civic groups. Over the years the services have expanded to wedding rehearsal dinners, the Special Olympics Winter Games, nonprofits' functions and several other activities. Those who utilize the dining room have to use the restrooms a level below. That change will add a new side entrance for people to enter the dining room or pool area.</p><p>For the upgrade to happen, changes would have to occur on Hargrave Street. Due to the organization expanding to the road, the street would become smaller. Y officials have been speaking with representatives with the City of Lexington to make Hargrave Street one way between West Third and Fourth avenues. If approved, drivers will come from north to south from the top of the hill. Klump noted they held informational meetings with close neighbors and residents within a two-block radius that discussed the street change. He said a few people were against the one-way street because it was an inconvenience.</p><p>Lexington City Manager Alan Carson said Y officials will talk with the planning and zoning board May 20 about the plan. The board will then make a recommendation to the city council, which will consider it May 28. Carson said at that meeting the council will announce a public hearing for its May 10 meeting on the street becoming one way. Carson noted that the council will probably vote at that meeting as well. </p><p>"The Y is the centerpiece of our youth and community. To help them grow, I think our council will be supportive," Carson said.</p><p>Another portion of the project would be adding reverse parking spots by the Y's bowling alley. Klump noted city officials developed the concept for the parking. The idea is for drivers to come down the street and then back into the parking spots. That will place children closer to the sidewalk area and give drivers more visibility to see others when they leave.</p><p>Carson suggested the reverse parking was a neat idea and a major improvement in safety. The parking lines would be at an angle.</p><p>"I think it's a great idea and worth a shot," he said. </p><p>The city would be responsible for relocating utilities underground, if there's a need to, Carson said. If approved, the project could begin immediately and will take up to six months.</p><p>Other projects earmarked by the campaign include a new roof for the entire facility, new cardio equipment through a partnership with Wake Forest Baptist Health — Lexington Medical Center, replacement of the building's HVAC units and upgrades to the parking lot. The campaign helped upgrade the Teen Center with a new roof, new HVAC system and total interior renovation. The Y also paid off debts from previous expenses through the campaign.</p><p>Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.</p>